The Democratic Socialists of America’s New York City chapter voted Saturday to urge Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to launch a presidential run in 2028, according to a CNN report. The resolution passed 291-123 at the chapter’s convention in New York but does not constitute an official endorsement. Online users reacted after the post circulated, with many replies expressing mockery or opposition to the idea of Ocasio-Cortez seeking the White House.
According to the CNN report shared in the post, the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America voted 291-123 to urge Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to launch a presidential run in 2028. The resolution is not a formal endorsement but commits the chapter to building groundwork for a campaign.
At a press conference afterward, co-chair Gustavo Gordillo called it “a commitment to encouraging and building the foundation for a presidential campaign.” He added, “AOC and New York City DSA are committed to building a stronger democratic socialist movement, and DSA will create the conditions for a presidential campaign capable of advancing a working-class political agenda.”
Some members opposed the resolution, arguing Ocasio-Cortez has strayed from core priorities. Gordillo acknowledged the dissent, saying, “When we allow dissent, when we allow people to pose constructive critiques of our elected officials, it makes them buy into the movement.”
Other DSA chapters have passed similar resolutions. A spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez did not respond to requests for comment.
How Viewers Are Responding to the New York City DSA Vote
Many replies on X were sharply critical or mocking. One user wrote, “An unusually stupid bartender running the country. No thanks.” Another said, “Mind-boggling stupidity doesn’t belong in our White House!”
A third commented, “She is absolutely a big zero and clone of Kamala Harris. She never says anything, has no agenda, and will never legislate the end of colonialism and enslavement. She is a non-leader.”
Others predicted limited chances, including “Please do. She won’t make it through the primaries.”
At the same time, the 291-123 vote itself showed majority support inside the New York City chapter. Co-chair Gustavo Gordillo told Al Jazeera, “If the US can elect Trump, I think we can elect Democratic Socialists.”
One delegate told the New York Post, “Some people want her to run, and some don’t. The people who wanted her to run won.” The resolution language described Ocasio-Cortez as one of the “most widely beloved members of the Democratic Party.”
Skepticism also appeared from parts of the left. The Red Star caucus stated, “Red Star has serious doubts about throwing our weight behind an AOC presidential run,” citing a “lack of political and practical alignment with DSA.”
One X reply reflected a similar view: “*expletive* AOC. WE AIN’T VOTING FOR Genocidaires.”
It remains unclear whether the resolution will influence Ocasio-Cortez’s decision or lead to a formal campaign. The vote adds another development to the ongoing discussion of her political future and the direction of the Democratic left.
